The Wood Recreation Center

The Wood isn’t just a place to gather—it’s a space for creativity, connection, and self-discovery. Designed to uplift and empower, it centers teens & youth in a campus that encourages them to explore who they are and who they’re becoming.

At the heart of the design is a prominent, central stair—an invitation to move through the building based on how you want to feel. More than circulation, it acts as a dynamic threshold between zones of play, creativity, and reflection, letting young people shape their own experience.

Surrounding the stair, a network of flexible, light-filled spaces support moments of expression, exploration, and imagination. The material palette balances high-contrast neutrals with vivid moments of color and texture introduced through furniture, artwork, and environmental graphics—subtle enough to feel grounded, yet vibrant enough to set the tone and spark curiosity.

Client: City of Brooklyn Park

Architect: Design by Melo